Monday, 28 November 2016

It’s Christmas at Mount Polbearne, which means a cosy warm house and time to put your feet up...Not for Polly Waterford though. The only warmth she gets in her freezing Lighthouse home is from boyfriend Huckle’s cuddles and rather than take time off from baking she has just been roped into catering a lavish Christmas feast.

Polly had planned to spend the festive period in loved up bliss but this has to take a back seat as she has so much on her mind; from her best friend’s woes to the local puffin sanctuary closing down. Poor Huckle doesn’t get a look in and he is beginning to doubt where he fits into his girlfriend’s busy schedule at all.

I've read the other books in this series and was looking forward to this book in particular as it combines my two favourite things: baking and Christmas. However there was so much more to the story than I expected which was a lovely bonus. Rather than simply making cosy and having a relaxing Christmas, Polly and Huckle’s festive season is anything but, which of course makes for a riveting read. Polly has a lot on her plate, so various plot lines intermingled but my favourite to follow was her best friend Kerensa’s marriage dilemma. Kerensa and Rueben are as integral to the Little Beach Street Bakery stories as Polly and Huckle, so I was rooting for things to be salvageable. Jenny Colgan has succeeded in writing couples that are different but are very relatable and the kind that you wish you could spend a Christmas night out with.

For me this book was like returning to a much loved holiday destination full of familiar characters and locations, however if you have not read any of the series you could pick up and enjoy it too. I actually think this book gives the greatest insights into the inhabitants of this little Cornish coastal village we have had yet and as such it was my favourite of the three - so where better to start?

Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery is like all of our Christmases - just because it does not go as planned does not mean it is any less special. So instead of stressing over gift lists and seating plans just make some hot chocolate, get cosy and start this book. Christmas planning can wait!

Thursday, 17 November 2016

It's late spring in 1728 and Thomas (Tom) Hawkins has no choice but to leave his beloved life in the chaotic streets of London and take the arduous journey to Yorkshire to stay with John Aislabie, one of the wealthiest and notorious men in England. Loathed by most of the country after his involvement with a financial disaster that saw many wealthy and other less financially lucky people losing everything, John Aislabie’s life has been threatened. Now, Tom must discover who is behind the threats and shocking incidents occurring at John Aislabie’s home.

The book begins with a shocking incident that happens twenty-seven years before Tom travels to Yorkshire. The event mars the Aislabie household in more ways than anyone could have expected and the pain and anguish of that time still resounds with those on the estate. When Tom arrives, he discovers it’s not simply a threat to his host’s life that he must deal with or the hatred for the man increasing each day, but also the loyalties between members of the household and their suspicion of him.

The story is inspired by real characters and I loved the relationships between Tom, his ‘ward’ Sam, who might only be fourteen but is years older when it comes to reading people’s characters; Tom’s relationship with his ‘wife’ Kitty. John Aislabie’s family is a complicated one, from his bold, confident wife, to his reserved daughter, strange cousin and his close relationship with his male secretary, who I found completely fascinating. The research, setting, history of the characters and the connection to real events was enthralling.

This book is the third in the Thomas Hawkins series and I must say it’s the one I’ve enjoyed the most. I read it in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the array of intriguing characters as well as trying to figure out – and failing – who was/were responsible for the shocking deeds being carried out at the hall. Although this book is the third one in the series, it’s also a standalone story so you don’t need to read the first and second books before enjoying this one.

Monday, 14 November 2016

Sometimes you need a book that wraps you up in its arms and just gives you a big cuddle- and this is one of those books. I read Wildflower Bay by Rachael Lucas during a week when I didn’t know whether I was coming or going, there was that much going on around me. And it was the perfect friend through it all- a warm, sweet story with a heart of gold.

Isla has a plan. She is 100% in control. She has a dream job as a top hair stylist, a snazzy car and a rent-free apartment in the poshest part of Edinburgh. But then disaster strikes and Isla is left holding the tattered remains of her tightly regimented existence. Her saviour arrives in the dubious form of her Aunt’s salon on the remote island of Auchenmor. It needs someone to run it while her Aunt is out of action, and Isla just happens to be in need of change of scenery – not that she’d admit it.

The little island has a lot more going for it than Isla could ever imagine, and a lot to teach her about true friendship and living her dreams- if she can just manage to stick it out for more than a few weeks.

Rachael Lucas is a skilled writer who takes some serious subjects- loneliness, isolation, the importance of love and friendship – and weaves them with the lightest of touches. This makes for a lovely read that has depth and soul- whilst managing to be a lot of fun.

This book was such a joy to read. Told from three points of view, we are treated to three very different takes on life. Naughty boy Finn was a great character – and his fun-loving, easy manner made for the perfect counterpoint to Isla’s more buttoned-up outlook. The passages written from Ruth’s point of view were some of my favourites. In fact Ruth goes down as one of my favourite characters of all time.

If you are looking for a heartwarming book that offers a lot of laughs, a few tears, a brilliant story and fantastic characters – you’ve found it.

Thursday, 10 November 2016

There are two words that sum up Cesca Major’s The Last Night. Hotly. Anticipated. Her debut, The Silent Hours, left me with the book hangover of 2015, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her second book.

The Last Night follows the story of Irina. Quiet, self-contained and harbouring a dark secret, she keeps herself distanced from everyone, including her mother. Irina immerses herself in her work as a furniture restorer, using it as a shield against the world. When a new commission arrives and turns her careful existence on its head, Irina is taken on a journey of discovery as she slowly unearths the layers of history surrounding the item - and the personal and harrowing story it has hidden in its depths.

Back in the 1950s, Abigail’s life also changes overnight. Moving from Bristol to a small Devonshire village, she’s soon keeping her own secrets - both good, and devastatingly bad.

The Last Night is a gripping and powerful read, with a harrowing real-life tragedy at its core. Cesca Major’s superpower is that she can take a little-known historical event and breathe colour and life into it for her readers - often to heartbreaking effect. Every detail is exquisitely drawn, and the characters are so real they could be taken directly from your own friends, family and community. In fact - that’s exactly what they feel like by the end of the novel.

I loved the paranormal element to the story, which subtly adds to the sense of foreboding. As these instances grew stronger and more frequent, I found myself questioning the mental state of the character involved – was this paranormal activity, or was the character starting to crack under the strain of her secrets?

There are so many layers to this brilliant book and despite its disturbing nature, The Last Night is a very satisfying read. Both the characters and events will continue to haunt you long after you’ve turned the final page.

Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Verity Bloom used to love baking with her best friend, Mimi. It brought such joy to the pair, even if their efforts sometimes ended in disaster. But two years ago, Verity lost her best friend – and her love of baking. Now, cooking anything more taxing than a fish finger sandwich is unbearable.

But when a friend needs help with her new business venture, Verity can’t say no and finds herself picking up her apron once again. The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is due to open soon, but there’s still a lot of work to do. And when tragedy strikes at the school, Verity starts to feel the pressure. Can the school flourish under Verity’s guidance, or will her friend’s dream crumble around them?

I love Cathy Bramley’s writing style. It’s warm and has such an ease to it that I find myself relaxing into her stories immediately, and The Plumberry School of Comfort Food was no exception. I quickly warmed to Verity, sympathising with her as we find out about Mimi and the friends and family left behind to mourn her loss, and feeling angry on her behalf as she’s trampled over at work. But Verity isn’t down for too long; when Mimi’s mum, Gloria, asks for her help, Verity sees it as a way to dust herself off and start a new chapter of her life. She’ll help Mimi with the cookery school while she figures out what to do next.

As well as the food within the book being comforting, the book is too. Despite the tragedies, I was left with a real feel-good factor whenever I picked up the book. The pages are packed with gorgeous food and wonderful characters, as well as some surprising and shocking moments I wasn’t expecting. There are emotional moments, as well as laughs and a good dose of romance, making it a cosy yet true-to-life read. Not everything is perfect in Verity’s world, and that made it more real for me.

One of my favourite characters was Gloria’s friend, Mags. She’s so warm and bubbly and made me smile throughout. I also really liked the cookery school’s assistant, Pixie as she’s quite quirky and fun. And then there’s Tom, the school’s Michelin-starred chef. He can be slightly grumpy at times and likes things done his way, but he’s clearly passionate about food and that shone from the pages.

Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Life in New York is like living on a real life movie set and romcom fan Beth has always hoped that some of that movie magic will one day happen to her. However, she has nothing in common with Meg Ryan and her long time boyfriend is no Tom Hanks. Over the years any silver screen romance Beth and Danny had, has faded with time and neither know quite how to recapture it.

One morning at work Beth receives an unusual delivery of a piping hot coffee just the way she likes it with a cryptic message scribbled inside! The inscription rings a bell faintly but then Beth’s exhaustive film knowledge kicks in and she knows exactly where she must go. This is just the start of a scavenger hunt that will take Beth around New York stopping at famous movie landmarks along the way. Beth needs to concentrate on her love life not run around on a wild goose chase but surely just one more clue won’t hurt.

A few years ago I visited New York and as it was my first visit my whole itinerary consisted of movie related stops. My poor husband even had to visit the Starbucks Tom Hanks regularly frequented in You’ve Got Mail. To him it was just another coffee shop but to me it was a big deal. Everywhere you walk you are surrounded by movie reminders and in this book Melissa Hill has managed to convey this perfectly. The streets of New York are steeped in cinematic history and I loved that this romantic read was overflowing with real life references. New York, movies and romance. What’s not to love? It certainly makes for reading heaven.

When Beth receives a mysterious message inside a coffee cup I took great pride in working them out with her. As the hunt progressed I racked my own encyclopedic film knowledge to see if I could beat her to the answer. Beth was a wonderful character and is one that will resonate with a lot of readers, who don't want more romance in their life. I had my fingers crossed that things would work out for her and I was just as surprised as her with the twists and turns her story took. Just when you thought you knew which way Beth was headed she was lead down a different path.

The Love of a Lifetime encapsulates the perfect romcom movie in the pages of a book. As an added bonus there is a festive backdrop. The main focus, however, is love with a hint of intrigue not Christmas - so no need to save it until December to unwrap this gift of a read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves New York or even the idea of it. Although be warned, buying this book could be costly as you will instantly want to buy a ticket to the Big Apple too!

Wednesday, 23 March 2016

A bar launch party. A chance meeting between two people. Sparks. A phone number scrawled on a napkin. So begins Ben and Rebecca’s love story. It’s one they love to recount; the perfect meet cute at the beginning of a seemingly perfect relationship.

Rebecca is the only girl she knows who didn't cry at the end of Titanic. Ben is the only man he knows who did. Rebecca’s messy but Ben doesn’t mind keeping her on track. He’s the yin to her yang and it really works. Until an offhand comment changes everything.

Laura Tait and Jimmy Rice have been friends for years, and it definitely shows in the way they co-write. The Night That Changed Everything is honest, clever and grounded in reality. This could be a situation happening to any of your friends, and you almost feel as much for the characters as you would people in your real life.

I found myself cheering and cringing in equal parts throughout the whole book. Can these two people overcome what life throws at their relationship? Could you, in similar circumstances?

This is intelligent, funny and heartbreakingly real writing with characters you’ll root for from the start. If you haven’t read anything by Tait and Rice – do. They’re shaking the rom-com genre up, and taking us along for the ride.

Tuesday, 15 March 2016

Catherine may be London’s finest matchmaker, but all isn’t fair in love and business. Her company is taking on new clients every day, though she is yet to find her Mr. Right. But determined Catherine is looking forward, and she is taking her best friends, Sarah and Rachel, with her, as they join her dating site, RecycLove. Soon they are rating and recommending their ex-boyfriends, and finding that putting your heart in someone else’s hands can lead to surprising results.

Match Me If You Can is a very fun, witty and warm book. The central dating site plot promises some humorous situations as they each meet new people. The rationale behind RecycLove is really interesting, and it was amusing to delve into the ladies’ old relationships so they could carve out a chance at forging new ones. It could be a painful process to be rated and recommended in this way, but the ladies are soon learning new things about themselves. In Rachel’s case, she is also learning more about her ex-boyfriend and colleague, James.

Catherine, Sarah and Rachel are each engaging and hugely likeable in their own ways. After divorcing from best friend Richard in her twenties, Catherine went on with him to form RecycLove and Love Match, another part of the business. Catherine is very hardworking and motivated to find the best dates for her clients, and she seems happy to put her own love life aside to focus on other people. Sarah is kind and gentle, a keen baker, and has an incredibly sunny disposition despite enduring a tough time. She hasn’t been the same since the death of her mother, and is also trying to find a suitable place for her sister Sissy, who has Down’s syndrome, to live. Sissy was a real highlight of the book – she is earnest and funny and full of teenage spirit. Completing the trio is Rachel, up-and-coming architect and possessor of a fabulous fashion sense. Rachel is currently locked in a friendly battle over a work project with James, who is morphing into a changed man. There was a lot of bantering between the pair and it’s obvious that they once made a great couple.

I felt like I knew Catherine, Sarah and Rachel very easily and they retained their distinctive characters through the alternating chapters. I would have always welcomed more interaction between the three of them, purely because although they are great individually, they complement each other perfectly as friends, and as housemates. They have created a very cosy set up at home, even with plenty of intrusion from errant builders as their house is renovated. There are lots of subplots in Match Me If You Can, from Catherine having to deal with Richard’s fiancée, Magda, as her new business partner, to Sarah auditioning for The Great British Bake Off. The book zips along, never failing to keep the reader entertained.

Michele Gorman has delivered a treat with Match Me If You Can. It’s a brilliant, fun and hugely enjoyable book about friendships and relationships and how there really is someone for everyone.

Thursday, 18 February 2016

To those around him Luke Livingstone has it all, but unbeknownst to anyone he has been living a lie his whole life. He cannot live with it any longer, so the letters to his loved ones have been written and when they read them he will no longer be around. However a stranger on a train makes him realise that his drastic plan is not the only way.

Eilish was not expecting Luke back that night, so is delighted when he returns home. That delight turns to despair in a blink of an eye. Luke’s confession that he has always felt like he was born into the wrong gender comes out of the blue and makes Eilish question her whole marriage. Looking back over 30 years did she ignore the signs? Was her marriage just a front?

Overnight the Livingstone family are ripped apart. This exact reaction was expected but it doesn’t make it any easier. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Son are all roles that Luke relishes but by choosing to live as a woman they all could potentially be lost forever.

The New Woman starts just as Luke Livingstone’s life is about to end. He has been keeping a part of himself hidden for as long as he can remember. A chance encounter with an old lady full of advice saves Luke from ending his life but then when he reveals all to his wife of 30 years his life is effectively over anyway. Luke is no more and instead Lucia tentatively emerges from the shadows.

You would need to have been living under a rock not to have heard about Caitlyn Jenner or Laverne Cox, but personally I have never really thought much about how long they may have struggled before making a life altering decision. Although Luke Livingstone is fictional, there is no doubt that his years of turmoil and inner struggle are not. Charity Norman’s depiction of a little boy who does not understand why he cannot be just like his girl best friend is truly heartbreaking. Being privy to little Luke’s private thoughts was completely eye-opening and I was ashamed to realize none of it had occurred to me previously. Even something as simple as cutting your son’s hair can fill a child with dread when all they want is to have flowing locks. Over the years that follow Luke has no choice to conform but his true feelings never leaves him and his persona as a result is very guarded and closed off.

Luke’s confession is a bolt out of the blue for his wife and children and their first instinct is to push him away. Everyone needs their own breathing space to process the revelations and as Luke starts to embrace becoming Lucia we follow the rest of his family as they wrestle with their feelings. Family life will never be the same again and watching the drama unfold throughout the chapters was riveting. I had everything crossed that Lucia would once more be welcomed back into the heart of the family where he belonged.

The New Woman is an intricate character study where the protagonist literally transforms before the readers eyes. This book provides an important insight into a world few can comprehend. It has certainly changed my perceptions and that will stay with me for a long time to come.

Tuesday, 16 February 2016

American heiress Merry has already broken two engagements and has come to England to escape from the reputation that that has given her. She’s the last woman the Duke of Trent would consider marrying but after an encounter on a balcony, he can’t get her out of his head. The trouble is, she’s just agreed to engagement number three. Merry is determined that this fiancée is for keeps, but has she made another mistake?

My American Duchess surprised me. I was expecting a fish-out-of-water, comedy of manners, forbidden love novel with a long slow build to a dramatic showdown, but although that’s in there, it’s actually only half the story – a lot more happens beyond that. I didn’t think that it was always totally successful, but for the most part it worked well and I can’t say more without being properly spoilery!

Merry is a great heroine. Smart but flawed, her inner monologue is funny and honest, and, although I found Trent a touch frustrating at times (he’s a very emotionally repressed alpha male who isn’t very good at realising when he’s wrong), I enjoyed their story. Eloisa James is a Shakespeare professor “in real life” and although the book wears it very lightly, the language and research always feels spot on. This is a standalone novel – but has a teasey set up at the end for a possible sequel.

I enjoyed My American Duchess and raced through it in two days and didn’t want to put it down. It isn’t my favourite of James’ novels – but the bar for that is incredibly high. If one of your 2016 resolutions is to read more widely across genres, this would be a good place to dip your toe in the historical-romance water. If you’re into the genre, you’ve probably already got this on your to-read list. If you haven’t, you should have.

Monday, 08 February 2016

This story spans four generations of woman, each character very different from the last with their own aspirations, strengths and weaknesses. When one of them dies mysteriously the ramifications of the tragedy sparks off events that will affect the lives of the other three.

The story starts with Damson and a shocking incident that changes the rest of her life causing her to make choices that will alter her look on the world and how she wishes others to view her. Each woman has to strive to be happy in their own era, dealing with the expectations and restrictions, with some succeeding better than others.

From India to England, the stories are played out over eighty years and evolve until everything comes together with a satisfying conclusion at the end of the book. There were shocks and twists in their stories and the depictions of the characters and their lives kept me riveted throughout. Usually when I’m reading a book with multiple characters, I tend to prefer staying with one if I’m enjoying their story and not wish to move on to the next, but with Sail Upon The Land the transition was seamless and I was immediately consumed by the next character and the situation they found themselves caught up in.

This is a beautifully written book and Josa Young has an excellent eye for detail. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Friday, 05 February 2016

Eighties-loving Libby London is facing a crisis bigger than her questionable wardrobe choices. Her beloved vintage shop, Pretty In Pink, is being forced to relocate, her dreaded birthday is on the horizon and her friends have staged an 80s Intervention to pull Libby out of the decade she loves, and into the twenty-first century. But Libby has good reasons for wanting to remain rooted in the past – reasons that are also stopping her from living in the present.

Victoria Van Tiem’s second novel is a refreshing and honest book, and heaps of fun. Libby is a wonderfully detailed, yet surprising, character. I felt like I knew her instantly, but there was always more to uncover. Libby’s life has suddenly turned slightly madcap, owing to her friends’ insistence that she break free from the eighties. Libby’s best friend since childhood, Dora, is a kind-hearted but very strong force of nature. Easy-going lawyer Finn is an occasional pain in Libby’s side, though she doesn’t seem to want it any other way. Completing the group is Dora’s fiancé, gentle Dean.

Their #80sIntervention is well-meaning, but slightly flawed. Soon Libby is dating some interesting characters who bear resemblance to the cast of the film, The Breakfast Club, throwing Libby head-first into one disastrous, and very funny, situation after the next. While the intervention moves at pace, Libby also has to contend with the news that she will need to find new premises for her shop. Pretty In Pink is another anchor that keeps Libby in the eighties, and she is determined not to let it become another memory she is grasping onto.

There are many emerging storylines in the book, all delicately balanced to create a very compelling read. Libby is undeterred when faced with each obstacle, be it the closure of her store or a cheeky parrot. Holding Out For A Hero also feels like a love letter to the eighties. The author weaves in many references to the decade, notably for music and film, making it a vibrant source of support to Libby and the foundation for her journey.

While Holding Out For A Hero is a very enjoyable book, full of witty lines and comedy situations, it is also a book that doesn’t shy away from talking about mental health. After experiencing trauma as a teenager, Libby has been dealing with depression. I felt very thankful to the author for highlighting this issue, one that is far too often side-lined or misrepresented. It was important to see how a character who has such energy as Libby does, someone who can appear fine on the surface, can have experience of depression. Although Libby often feels isolated, there is always someone there, be it her friends or caring Dr P. There is a lovely note from the author at the end of the book, urging anyone battling depression to reach out.

Throughout the book, I was rooting for Libby to find a sense of peace. She is a very resilient and brave character, using sarcasm and humour to deflect her pain. There are moments of real sadness in places and a couple of times I found myself quite choked up, but above all there is hope – Libby will be okay.

This is a wonderfully inspiring, uplifting and life-affirming book. Libby London believes she is holding out for a hero – there will be many readers who have found one in her.

Monday, 25 January 2016

A new family was born when Rachel’s father fell in love with Becca’s mother. Unfortunately, the girls were less keen to see it that way. Now Rachel’s beloved father has passed away, both women have accepted they will never be close and gone their separate ways. Becca is having a tough time finding her place in the world. She doesn’t have a career, a place of her own or love. Rachel, on the other hand, has always seemed perfect to Becca; she has an impressive career, a big house, three darling children and an adoring husband. It’s only when Rachel, on a mystery mission to Manchester, goes missing and Becca is called in to take over at home that she realises her ex-stepsister’s life has piece by piece started to fall apart. With no close friends, rebelling children and an absentee husband, Rachel’s life is unrecognizable. Becca needs to start putting the pieces together to find out where Rachel is and what has happened to the perfect life she was once so jealous of.

Whenever I receive a Lucy Diamond novel for reviewing I know I am in for a treat. The main characters are always created with love, flaws and all, so I find myself firmly in their corner. Extra characters are woven into the plot naturally, showing the strengths and weaknesses of humanity. As with the previous novels, I found myself carried along and absorbed into the plot.

Becca and Rachel couldn’t be more different from each other. What is more interesting is how their own views of each other contrasts with their self-perceptions. Becca sees herself as being a bit of a failure. Sharing a flat with Meredith, a girl obsessed with historical reenactments, and bouncing from job to job isn’t anything she sees to be proud of. Rachel sees Becca as having freedom and being wild, especially in terms of men. Little does she know, there haven’t been any men on the scene for a while.

Becca views her step-sister as being the successful, beautiful and thin one who has always been too cold to accept Becca as part of her life. Rachel sees herself as being far less attractive than her controlling ex-husband and as a bit of an island, gossiped about by her ex-colleagues and the mothers in the schoolyard, with no real friends she can trust.

When the sisters are reunited, sparks start to fly. Rachel is still furious at Becca for what she sees as being Becca’s part in ruining her marriage. Becca, having looked after Rachel’s children and attempted to keep Rachel’s fledgling fitness-coaching company going, feels unappreciated and desperate to return to the strange but friendly Meredith. Unfortunately for both of them, Rachel needs Becca if she is to recover and regain her life. For the next few weeks, they are forced to live and work together, which could lead to them finally discovering the true meaning of being sisters or it could destroy the tangible link they still have to each other.

Another amazing read from Lucy Diamond, warm and emotional, and full of moments of kindness, realization and self-discovery. I loved it.

Thursday, 21 January 2016

Holly Swift has always wanted to work at Wickham Hall, the local manor house she's visited for every big event they've held since she was born. So when hears about the opening for events assistant she jumps at the opportunity and does anything within her power to get the job. However, what she hadn't counted on was that actually getting the role wasn't the most tricky part...

When her boss doesn't appear on Holly's first working day to show her the ropes, Holly is thrown into the deep end and has to figure out everything on her own. From big upcoming events to managing the various characters that work in the Manor and even Lady and Lord Fortescue and their son Ben, who never lets down their first encounter, which involves him with his trousers down.

How can Holly manage her job and keep everyone content while also searching for the father she has never known?

With her delightful and heartwarming novels set in diverse locations that I want to move to straight after reading her novels, Cathy Bramley has quickly catapulted herself into my list of favourite authors. Her books always bring a smile to my face, while at the same time being filled with a genuinely good and compelling stories that usually packs an emotional punch too. Wickham Hall is no exception, and in actual fact I do believe this is my favourite of her novels to date. As soon as I read about Holly I fell in love with this character who was so determined to grab her dream job that even though she may not have been the most experienced candidate, her enthusiasm and passion for the Manor and events propelled her far above any possible competition – and that was inspiring to read.